Loaded Lockdown

With three horror watchlists already provided, here's a look at some thrilling action titles currently available to stream

Some of the biggest and best action movies of all time are on Hulu, Netflix and similar services at the moment. They're usually in the first wave of selections when you search the genre or they're trending towards the top. There's also plenty of bad movies at your disposal as well. If you're looking for underrated gems without having to wade through a sea of choices, here are some deeper cuts that'll get your adrenaline pumping.

Avengement (Netflix and Amazon Prime Video)

This very British gangster flick comes to us from frequent collaborators, Jesse V. Johnson and Scott Adkins. Adkins delivers a great performance as Cain Burgess, an escaped convict out for revenge. Holding up in a pub until the brother (Craig Fairbrass) who double crossed him arrives, he recounts his hellacious experience in England's most dangerous prison. Throughout the various jailhouse brawls, Johnson directs this crime tale with keen eyes and efficiency. If you can appreciate British humor, sensibilities and slang, it'll come as quite the welcome treat. If you can't, then at least give credit to the ferocious fight scenes.

Headshot (Netflix and Amazon Prime Video)

Indonesian martial arts superstar Iko Uwais is Ishmael, a stranger with shattered memories of his past. After washing ashore and being nursed back to health by Dr. Ailin (Chelsea Islan), his fresh start is upended when his old boss (Sunny Pang) finds out he's still alive. Its mix of hardcore violence, top-notch choreography and energetic camera work make this another strong action outing for Iko. On top of that, the story allows for some moments of genuine acting. Overall, it's a bloody good time thanks in large part to its cast and the directing duo of Kimo Stamboel and Timo Tjahjanto.

Ronin (YouTube and Amazon Prime Video)

Robert DeNiro in an action film? The iconic actor may have cemented his legendary status with roles in mob epics and acclaimed dramas, but his cool, tough-guy persona translates well here. When classic 90's action movies are brought up, there are several usual suspects; "Hard Broiled", "The Matrix", "Speed" and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day", to name a few. This espionage thriller's place in that landscape remains underrated, as DeNiro, Natascha McElhone and Jean Reno portray mercenaries venturing through France to track down a mysterious briefcase. With a standout cast that includes Stellan Skarsgard and Jonathan Pryce, a smart script and strong directing by the late John Frankenheimer, this crime caper is worth the price of admission. Speaking of which, while it's currently available through Amazon (and possibly other VOD platforms), it's on YouTube right now for free. Legally.

Starship Troopers (IMDbTV and Amazon Prime Video)

Much like "Robocop" and "Total Recall", director Paul Verhoeven combines ultraviolence, futuristic backrops and satirical swipes in this tongue-in-cheek sci-fi actioner. Mankind is locked in a never-ending battle with space bugs and that may be the least ridiculous thing about the movie. Its silliness saturates everything; from groups of characters that look much too old to be portraying high schoolers (chief among them being square-jawed hero Casper Van Dien, the bubbly Dina Meyer and late 90's starlet Denise Richards), to its takes on patriotism and militarism, to its in-movie commercials. On top of that, it revels in gory spectacle and features some well-aged creature and digital effects. The ever reliable Neil Patrick Harris also makes an appearance as a brainy psychic for added bonus points.

The Villainess (Hulu and Amazon Prime Video)

This South Korean action-thriller stars Kim Ok-vin as a highly skilled assassin on a path of vengeance. Tearing her way through the criminal underworld and contending with her shadowy employer, as is customary for the genre, she soon learns loyalties and her line of work aren't a good mix. Its frenetic action sequences are filled with manic energy and while they're occasionally too ambitious, they still hit their mark. The story does become needlessly convoluted and pacing is an issue, as the film sags towards the middle. However, director Jung Byung-gil stretches its low budget to its limit with some innovative ingenuity and the result is a bloody, comic book-esque adventure with a flavor and style all its own.

Warrior (Hulu and Amazon Prime Video)

"Warrior" exists in a realm of peculiarity. A box office flop upon its release, audiences and critics both showered it with praise to the point Nick Nolte's performance was nominated for an Oscar. It never seemed to have a significant cultural impact and yet, it's been remade twice since its 2011 debut. Perhaps that's a credit to its greatness, as it counters every takedown with emotional swells. Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy star as estranged brothers who enter a mixed martial arts tournament with a $5 million dollar top prize. Nolte plays their formerly alcoholic father who's trying to make amends. Director Gavin O'Connor seems to have a knack for sports dramas, as he helmed the 2004 crowd-pleaser "Miracle" and most recently directed the Ben Affleck basketball film, "The Way Back". The tragic undertones hit just as hard as its in-ring combat, delivering a raw and realistic experience.